Connecting M-Audio BX5a & Delta 1010LT

[mbouteneff]

I just bought a pair of BX5as...

Before owning monitors, I was using a pair of headphones to do all my mixing; to do so, I connected the OUT1 and OUT2 of the Delta 1010LT to a headphone amp that I connected the phones to. I now have these questions:

- How can I best arrange my setup so I can use either the headphones or the monitors at any time? (Could I just connect OUT1/OUT2 to the monitors, and OUT3/OUT4 to the headphone amp? If yes, what changes would be required in the Delta's mixing software app?)
- What kind of cable(s) do I need to connect the BX5a monitors to the Delta 1010LT?

Thanks for your help!!

-Mike

 

[SRR]

There are lots of options for you. You could use outs 3 and 4, your software would have to support multiple outs, most do. Or you could get this http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--PRSHP4 it has four channels of headphone amps and a level control for your control room monitors. Or you could do what I did, and get the Behringer minimon, that has 4 stereo ins, one headphone amp (headphone amp sucks, but I wasn't planning on using it anyway), 3 stereo line outs for connections to 3 speaker systems, mute, -20dB pad, mono switch, talk back mic and a stereo out designed to feed another headphone amp, it was $33 from fullcompass. Or Samson makes one that has the same exact features as the behringer called the c-control, it runs $90 or so. Mackie has the big knob for around $299. And the grand dady of the bunch presonus has the central station which I think is $499.

Oh and for your cable situation: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/General/Accessories/Cables?sku=339031

There certainly is cheaper out there, just thats the first one I could find. You are just looking for RCA to 1/4" TS (also known as 1/4" unbalanced). But wait on the cable situation till you know for sure what you are doing as far as headphone amp/monitoring station, as that can change what connections and how many cables you will need.

 

[mbouteneff]

Thanks!

SPR,

Thanks for your reply, that really helps. I definitely like the $33 option, since I'm really trying to cut down on costs, but it sounds quite flexible, which is great.

Is there anything wrong with just using the outs available (the Delta 1010lt does have multiple outs)? Someone mentioned that it's a risk because an accidental increase in volume could blow out the speakers, etc...

But again, thanks for your help -- I'll check out that minimon.

-Mike

 

[SRR]

I have the 1010lt, and I was going to do the multi out thing, one set running to my monitors and another set running to my headphone amp in my tracking rooms downstairs, but then I gave the minimon a shot. I figured the worse it could be, I was going to use it just between outs 3 and 4 on the 1010lt and my headphone amp downstairs, for the talkback feature on the minimon only. But I hooked up a semi-elaborate set up with a passive switcher just to see how bad or good the minimon sounded, and I couldn't tell the difference between the minimon and passive switcher, so now its in my main monitor chain. I know its prolly poop compared to the presonus central station, but really for MY needs it seems to be doing the job nicely. Mind you I only have Wharfedale 8.2s for monitors, maybe they were/are limiting me in hearing what is wrong with the minimon. If nothing else its worth a shot for $33, and ebay is just around the corner if it doesn't work out.

 

[mbouteneff]

Here's a stupid question...what does "Talkback" do? I've looked around online for a definition/explanation, but haven't found anything yet...

(Btw, amazingly, Ebay didn't have the Minimom listed...)

Thanks!

 

[SRR]

Talkback feature is there so you can talk to your tracking room/s. You push a button the unit and it sends your talking out to the headphones. If you are recording and mixing all in one room, you won't use it.

And ya, it was just released, so you probably won't find it on ebay. Call www.fullcompass.com